The Pinewood Derby is an opportunity for cubs to learn and have fun while planning and building his car. It is a great opportunity for him to learn skills, develop a sense of accomplishment and practice sportsmanship in both winning and losing. “Sanding teaches perseverance, working together helps cub and Akela learn.” Parents are encouraged to provide age appropriate support for their cub and to err on the side of allowing him to do more, while always keeping his safety in mind.

General Rules

1. Participants must be Cub Scouts currently registered Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, or Webelos I Scouts with a pack in the Huron Trails District.
2. Participants must be present to enter a car in the race.
3. Only official BSA Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels, axles and bodies are allowed. Cars with wheels, axles or bodies from brands such as Pine-Car will be disqualified.
4. The car must be newly built for the current Cub Scouting year.
5. Trophy-winning cars may be subject to post-race re-inspection at the sole discretion of the race officials.
6. The final decision of whether a car is legal and qualified to race shall be entirely at the discretion of the race officials present.

Dimensions and Clearances

1. The maximum overall width of the car, including wheels & axles, shall not exceed 2-3/4 (2.75) inches.
2. The minimum width between the wheels shall be 1-3/4 (1.75) inches.
3. The minimum clearance between the bottom of the car and the track surface shall be 3/8 (0.375) inch so the car will clear the center guide strip on the track.
4. The maximum overall length shall not exceed 7 inches.
5. The maximum overall height shall not exceed 4 inches so that the car can clear our timing mechanism.
6. The wheelbase (distance between the front & rear axles) may not be changed from the kit body distance of 4-1/4 (4.25) inches. The original axle slots provided in the kit MUST be used as mounting points for the wheels and axles.

Weight and Appearance

1. Total car weight shall not exceed 5 ounces. The reading of the official scale will be considered final. All added weights must be firmly attached to the car in a fixed position.
2. If lead is used, it must be embedded, covered or coated so as to prevent skin contact.
3. No liquids or loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car.
4. Any decorations are permissible as long as they are securely affixed to the car and do not exceed the maximum dimension or weight specifications.
5. Cars with wet paint, coating or finish will not be accepted.

Wheels and Axles

1. Wheels may be sanded to remove burs and flash from molding imperfections only. All modifications such as beveling, tapering, boring, shimming, thinning, wafering or lathe turning of the wheels are prohibited.
2. Axles may be straightened, smoothed and polished. All other axle modifications, such as machining to reduce diameter or coning the back of the head, are prohibited.
3. Wheel or axle bearings, washers, bushings and hubcaps are prohibited.
4. The car shall not ride on any type of suspension made from components other than those available in the BSA Official Kit.
5. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting device or other type of propulsion.

Lubrication

1. Only graphite or powdered Teflon “white lube” will be allowed for lubricating the wheels and axles.
2. Additional lubrication will not be allowed after the car has been weighed in, or during the race.